Outdoor Table Settings
Relaxed
Solid Blue Outdoor Dinner Plate, $7, and Patterned Blue Outdoor Salad Plate, $5, from Pottery Barn; www.potterybarn.com or 1-800-922-5507
Picnic Utensils Set, $4.99, by Keep it Simple With Katie Brown; www.shopkatiebrown.com
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Rustic
Inspired by the Bandera River in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, these plates evoke memories of floating in inner tubes and picnicking on the riverbank. Lively yellow utensils brighten up any meal.
Bandera dinner plates, $50 (set of four), and salad plates, $40 (set of four), from the Texas Hill Country collection by Jill Fenichell for Bongenre; www.bongenre.com
Colorful Plastic Utensils in Mimosa, $3 (pack of 24), also from Plum Party
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Bold
The square shape, vibrant color, and whimsical pattern put this plate, designed by a former Savannah College of Art and Design professor, in a class of its own. The flatware is pretty, plastic, and purple―what more could you ask for?
Ben Collection Dinner Plate in Teal, $11, by Working Class Studio; www.shopscadonline.com
Orleans Plastic Purple Cutlery, $16 (service for four), from Plum Party; www.plumparty.com
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Classic
Check out this updated Southern icon: a traditional monogram on a graphic plastic plate, perfect for an outdoor luncheon. The pressed-wood flatware has a look that’s both formal and casual.
Modern Plate in Brown with Orange Circle monogram, $22, by La Plates; www.laplates.com
Wooden Picnic cutlery, $8 (pack of 10 knives, spoons, or forks), by Seletti, from The Conran Shop; www.conranusa.com or 1-866-755-9079
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Night Lights
Set a festive scene with a collection of colorful lanterns. Stagger them down the center of a table, or dangle them from low-hanging tree branches for a romantic glow. Tip: Opt for mosquito-repelling citronella votives or pillar candles, which will keep you and your guests comfortable on muggy Southern evenings.
Festival Lanterns, $36 (large in Pink/Orange), $32 (medium in Blue/Green), $16 (small in Blue/Green), by Roost, from Ray & Baudoin Interior Design; (901) 791-0138 or e-mail info@rb-id.com
Glass & Rope Hanging Lanterns, $30 (set of three lanterns; Yellow, Blue, and Green), by Patio Companion, from UncommonGoods; www.uncommongoods.com or 1-888-365-0056
Fiesta Palette Citronella Votives, $9.99 (package of eight), by Patio Companion; 1-800-521-0505 for retailers